OAK LEAF SYMPOSIUM

2026 Oak Leaf Symposium

October 22, 10am-3pm | PACE Center, Parker, CO

Each year, DLC presents the Oak Leaf Award to a regional conservation hero. We also recognize outstanding land stewardship with the Mel Sorensen Stewardship Award.

This year, DLC is excited to honor Jackie Sanderson with the Oak Leaf Award for her commitment throughout her career with Douglas County Open Space and Natural Resources to environmental education. We are also thrilled to honor Deb Hill and Greg Stauffer with the 2026 Mel Sorensen Stewardship Award. Deb Hill and Greg Stauffer have been DLC conservation partners dedicated to stewardship excellence. Two generations of this family of educators have cared for their property. Deb also served on the Douglas County Conservation District Board of Directors.

This year’s awards will be part of a half-day educational symposium inspired by our award recipients. The Oak Leaf Symposium is open to conservation professionals, DLC volunteers, and the public. The program includes a keynote and breakout sessions. We’ll conclude with lunch and an awards ceremony for our honorees, whose dedication exemplifies our mission of land conservation and stewardship. Standard tickets, priced at $65 each, will go on sale soon. DLC Volunteers will receive an email with an access code to purchase discounted tickets. We look forward to seeing you at our Oak Leaf Symposium in October!

Announcing the 2026 Oak Leaf Symposium theme: Cultivating Lifelong Stewards through Outdoor Experiences.

This year’s Oak Leaf Symposium includes:
3 breakout session options
Catered lunch and networking opportunities
Awards presentation and honoree film showing

Tickets on sale soon